Antique Allied Flag of All Nations | From the Pierce Collection of American Flags | Circa 1918

Offered is an antique “Allied Flag of all Nations,” representing the Allies of World War I. The twenty-three stars represent the Allies as a whole, while the cotton stripes specifically represent the United States, Belgium, France, Great Britain, and Italy (as indicated by a post card discovered in our research).

The stars are printed onto the cotton canton. The star configuration includes a large center star, and it is surrounded by a ring of four medium stars. The medium stars are surrounded by a ring of sixteen small stars. Positioned at 12:00 between the medium stars is a first x-small star, and similarly positioned at 6:00 between the medium stars is a second x-small star.

In 1914, seven nations joined the Allied Forces (the British Empire, Belgium, Montenegro, Japan, Serbia, Russia, and France). And in 1915, sixteen additional nations joined (the United States, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Cuba, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Panama, Greece, Siam, Liberia, China, Brazil, Guatemala, Honduras, and Haiti). From this, one can logically conclude that the inner seven stars may represent the nations joining the Allied Forces in 1914, while the remaining sixteen stars may represent the nations joining in 1915.

The cotton hoist originally included two brass grommets, only one of which is still present. The reverse of the hoist includes the following overprint: ALLIED FLAG | OF ALL NATIONS | FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM | COPYRIGHT 1918. The reverse of the hoist also includes this additional overprint: W.B. WILCOX & CO. W.B. Wilcox & Co. is a jewelry store, now known as Lennon’s W.B. Wilcox after being purchased by Harold T. Lennon Sr. in 1958. At the time that this flag was made, W.B. Wilcox & Co. was located at 30 Genesee St. in Utica, New York.

This striking flag is the only such fabric example that we have ever encountered. It was originally a part of the Pierce Collection of American Parade Flags.

Conservation Process: This flag was hand sewn to silk organza, and both were hand sewn to cotton fabric. The silk organza provides a strong layer of protection and a professional appearance. The flag, the silk organza, and the cotton fabric were then hand sewn to a mounting board. To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the flag, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash. The flag is positioned behind Conservation Clear Acrylic (standard) or behind Optium Museum Acrylic (per request).

Frame: This offering is in our Large Distressed Black and Gold Frame. However, it can be reframed and would look great using any one of our Large or X-Large Frames, which are shown in the final two images. The pricing associated with the different framing options may vary. Reframing of an offering may delay shipment by up to two weeks.

Condition Report: This flag exhibits some staining, and it is missing its top grommet. It includes a lateral tear through the canton. The tear has been stabilized and is only noticeable upon close inspection.

Collectability Level: The Best – Perfect for Advanced Collectors Date of Origin: 1918Associated War: World War I (1914-1918)